Hilton Head History
The history of Hilton Head Island is full of contradictions. On the one side, the island’s history can be dated back to seasonal appropriation by Native Americans. On the other side, the town of Hilton Head Island was incorporated pretty recently, in 1983. Part of the history of Hilton Head Island involves large slave plantations, but they were treated with respect here and in other parts of the region, leading to a one of a kind culture which is still celebrated today.
The earliest chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island involved the Woodland Indians, who escaped the harsh fall and winter seasons further north by coming to the island. Evidence of this seasonal settlement remains preserved to this day in the Sea Pines community. Within the community’s forest preserve is a mount made up of oyster shells, clay, and animal bones which has been dated back to 1450 B.C. It is well-known as the Indian Shell Ring.
The second recorded chapter in the history of Hilton Head Island presents itself in the era of colonization, when the island and the region in general came under arguement. In the 1520s, both France and Spain occupied the region, with Spain eventually winning control of the area. England later took hold of the Port Royal Sound region, and Englishman William Hilton is accredited with the discovery of the island—thus beginning the history of Hilton Head Island as it is identified today. He was aiming to find Port Royal’s entrance when he came across the island, and he and his men were impressed with the air, the water, the excellence of the soil, and the tall pine trees. The headlands discovered by his crew were responsible for the second part of Hilton Head Island’s name.
Although the island was colonized in 1698 by the English, by 1766 fairly few families lived on the island even after so much time had passed. The residents of Hilton Head supported the colonists during the Revolutionary War, leading to numerous raids by the British. After the war, however, there was a time of relative peace and abundance in the history of Hilton Head Island. A distinct slave culture made a great contribution to this abundance, known as the Gullah culture. Gullah slaves were provided a great deal more responsibility than many of their counterparts elsewhere, being given a distinct project to finish each day, after which they were able to go home. It was up to them how to conclude the task, leading to slaves who were more independent and who took pride in their tasks. Along with the distinct Gullah language and traditions which took form over the years, the Gullah people were and are an important part of the history of Hilton Head. They became free at the finish of the Civil War, during almost the entirety of which the island was occupied by Union Troops.
The modern history of Hilton Head Island began in the second half of the twentieth century. Electricity was introduced in 1951 and Charles Fraser, in many ways the father of modern Hilton Head, brought a group of investors to create Sea Pines Plantation, the island’s first modern resort community. He showed a exceptional deal of respect for nature and built recreational amenities first, such as bike paths, tennis courts, and golf courses. Housing and hotels came afterwards, built around both nature and the amenities he created. This development model has been followed by every community created since, taking the history of Hilton Head firmly into the modern era as the beautiful resort destination we know well today.
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Bluff Villas: SEA PINES
Bluff Villas is located in Sea Pines. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the biggest residential and resort plantations on Hilton Head Island Island spanning 5,2... More On This Community
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Wendover Dunes: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Wendover Dunes Villas is a private community in the Leamington neighborhood located in the heart of the popular Palmetto Dunes Plantation on Hilton Head Island Island Island, SC. Just a hop, skip and a jump to the beach. Wendover Dunes Villas has a ... More On This Community
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Broad Creek Landing: Broad Creek Landing
Broad Creek Landing is a townhouse community situated on Hilton Head Island, SC. Signature tall pines surround this neighborhood that boasts serene lagoons and a neighborhood pool. Complimenting Broad Creek Landing are the smaller areas of Three Mast... More On This Community
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Residents Club: SEA PINES
Residents Club Villas is a private community close to Harbour Town and a fun Trolley ride to the beach in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea... More On This Community
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Old House Creek: Old House Creek
The quiet neighborhood just off Spanish Wells Road offers a family friendly environment and close proximity to the Cross Island Parkway-offering easy access to both the north and south ends of Hilton Head Island Island.... More On This Community
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Hilton Head Plantation: HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
Hilton Head Plantation offers beaches, bike trails, four different golf courses, boating, tennis courts, and two different nature conservancy centers. Hilton Head Plantation is one of Hilton Head Island's largest and most age-diverse established com... More On This Community
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Seascape Villas: FOREST BEACH
Seascape Villas is a complex of townhomes that are located in the South Forest Beach area of Hilton Head Island, SC. An uncommon and generous private beach walkway brings the ocean ever closer to the front door of your villa. A variety of local resta... More On This Community
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Inland Harbour: SEA PINES
Inland Harbour is a private community situated in Sea Pines on Hilton Head, SC. In 1956, Charles Fraser developed Sea Pines into the first private plantation community on the island. Sea Pines is one of the largest residential and resort plantations... More On This Community
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Lawton Station: Lawton Station
Lawton Station, drenched in history and beauty, is situated in the Bluffton, South Carolina area. This community is steeped in Lowcountry living and presents itself as a secure neighborhood lifestyle. Lawton Station offers a few unique and varied com... More On This Community
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Harbourside II: PALMETTO DUNES/SHELTER COVE
Harbourside II Villas is situated in Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, SC. Shelter Cove Harbour is the largest deepwater marina on Hilton Head Island. It encloses the end of Broad Creek at the island's center across Highway 278 from the en... More On This Community
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